Bring on the Vegetables.

Significant Daily Events

2007-12-02T20:23:00.000Z

Joel had a fever today so he skipped church. When I got home from church, his temp was 103! I consulted our "Take Care of Yourself" book, promptly marinaded him in cool washcloths, and an hour later it was down to 102. Progress!
I taught Sunday School today for the first time. They did not eat me. I did not throw up. I consider this all a success.
I made pumpkin bread. I'm not sure if this is very significant. The pumpkin flavours were a bit too subtle, I thought.
I talked about eating animal brains with my friend Lisa, who is Chinese. She provided relevant information of where to buy a whole pig head in Glasgow. I know what's for dinner next weekend!

I think that is all. On another note, something significant happened to Shelley yesterday - she inadvertently created Donut Soup. (Further research is required to determine whether it was Donut Soup, or Doughnut Soup.)

Satsuma Season

2007-10-22T11:46:00.000+01:00

I kind of miss my friends. And Seattle. And everything related to those 2 things.

But I think if I eat more vegetables I'll feel better.

I made homemade granola bars yesterday. They are delish!
It is satsuma season, in full swing. Mm, my favourite season.

What does mental health mean to you?

2007-10-17T18:51:00.000+01:00

I now work in the field of mental health, as some of you know. I am realising we all safeguard our mental health in different ways. I safeguard my mental health by getting enough sleep, eating my fruit and veg, and making sure I have my daily dosage of chocolate.

Some people have more of a challenge to maintain their mental health.

Some people stay away from crowded places.
Some people get massages and listen to tapes with jungle sounds.
Some people go out for tea every day.
Some people make sure they structure their day well.
Some people take meds to protect their mental health (most of them wish they didn't have to).

We all protect our mental health in different ways.

How do you stay mentally healthy?

Irrelevant side note:
I got myself some fringe.

The Shaver Shuffle

2007-09-28T17:52:00.001+01:00

Star in Your Own JibJab! It's Free!Joel and I have been practising dance moves. Have you ever seen Joel dance? He's got some awesome wild moves!

Jaffa

2007-09-19T08:06:00.000+01:00

Meet Jaffa, "my" cat. He is so adorable!! He sounds like "maaaow!" I have not seen Jaffa in quite a while, but Joel has, so we know he is safe and well. This photo is of me and Jaffa, solving a problem. You can see Jaffa is pondering.

Do you know the historical and cultural significance of his name? He is a uniquely Scottish cat! "Jaffa" comes from the root term "Jaffa Cakes". Jaffa Cakes are a sweet here, that are chocolate covered with orange filling. Jaffa's chocolate covering is metaphorical, but he sure is orange!

When you come visit us here, I will try to arrange a visit so you can meet my best of Scottish friends!

False summer haiku

2007-06-16T11:21:00.000+01:00

The rain falls on me
I shiver with expectancy
of a glowing fire.

Parsnips

2007-04-29T22:49:00.000+01:00

I feel like life is colliding with itself in incomprehendable ways...
why are blogger and google combined? and more importantly, why not merge their names into something as fabulous as "bloggle", or "googer"?? Oh yea, it's because Google is taking over the world. Let's rename "Earth" "Google". Oh wait, has that already been done?

I think it's too late for any more of this.

I like Scotland in the sunshine. The little lambs are so adorable! They hop over the grass so sprightly-like. I said hello to them yesterday.

Come visit!!!

At the Pioneer Cafe

2006-12-26T18:55:00.000Z

No colours except green and black the walls are green the sky is black (there is no roof) the stars are green the Widow is green but her hair is black as black. The Widow sits on a high high chair the chair is green the seat is black the Widow's hair has a centre-parting it is green on the left and on the right black. High as the sky the chair is green the seat is black the Widow's arm is long as death its skin is green the fingernails are long and sharp and black. Between the walls the children green the walls are green the Widow's arm comes snaking down the snake is green the Children scream the fingernails are black they scratch the Widow's arm is hunting see the children run and scream the Widow's hand curls round them green and black.
*

World-Travelling Snowflakes!

2006-12-15T12:27:00.000Z

Meet Taj Mahal Snowflake, the first world-travelling snowflake! He bears an uncanny likeness to the world-renown trademark of Indian love.

As you will see below, Taj is not the only snowflake who has recently gotten tired of the cold, arctic locales of our earth. I would like to introduce Eiffel Tower Snowflake, Shiva Snowflake, and Palm Tree Snowflake.

2006-12-14T19:28:00.000Z

This is Charlie. She is our new pet here in Glasgow. Our lease clearly stated "no cats, dogs, or birds" as pets. However, it utterly (ha) failed to address the bovine spectrum, thankfully. The only thing is, she keeps leaving doors open (does she think we live in a barn here??!?).

On another note, I got a job! As a Support Worker with Carr-Gomm Scotland. I will be working with individuals to maintain or improve mental health, on a short-term basis. Carr-Gomm's role is usually for very specific goals, and once those specific goals are met, our support is unneeded. People who need more long-term support are referred elsewhere. This job is an amazing acquiration for me - the organisation is person-centred, focuses on quality, whole-person care, and treats employees great as far as I can tell! The work will be monday-friday, 9-5 shifts, which is unheard of in support work roles. And, my work will be based in Glasgow's West End, which is where I live! I could not have asked for more. God came through on this one all the way.
I don't start until the end of January, unfortunately (but this job is worth waiting for). Until then, I'll be biding my time by continuing my work of paper snowflakes, which are now insulating our walls. I will post more on that later.

2006-12-03T20:55:00.000Z

As I search for ways to enhance my interview skills, I am faced with this daunting tip (see figure 1.1). Hmm... do you think this has a correlation to why I haven't gotten a job yet? I must begin a soul-searching debate of whether it is better to live according to my own values (and thereby wearing rave pants wherever I want), or becoming encumbered by society (and thereby having the capacity to pay rent).

Off to begin my quest for truth and meaning in this hecka profesh universe!

2006-12-01T11:14:00.000Z

Job interviews, job interviews... Alas, it is a bittersweet, gut-wrenching, metabolism-shifting thing, which wreaks havoc on interviewer and interviewee alike. I have to leave in 45 minutes for one today. I'm mainly going to strengthen my instable interviewee confidence; I don't feel competent enough for such a job, and I was actually jaw-dropping flabbergasted when I received notice that I had been granted an interview.

Monday I have another interview which I feel much more equipped for. (Maybe I relate better to those with dementia than those with substance abuse) (I wonder what that says about me)

Anyway, signing off, for the alternative of personality analyzing torture.

And I'm sorry for the terribly typical blog post; I'll most likely delete it later.

2006-11-29T16:21:00.000Z

I came to the sudden and stricken realisation that I do not have any wisdom to pass on to you today, so I leave you with this, courtesy of my little brother Justin. It is worth posting here for the world to see.

An Urinary Confusion

2006-11-23T13:13:00.000Z

I received a letter yesterday morning, telling me I have a doctor's appointment the very next day, and to bring a urine sample with me.

I spent the bulk of the day deciding what to bring the urine sample in... a 2 litre milk jug (they didn't specify how much)? A glass olive jar (but would that contaminate the sample)? Joel's travel mug (he declined my request to borrow it)?

Someone suggested a thermos. Alas, I left my thermos in Seattle. And oh, how I do miss it.

Joel thought a boda bag would be ideal.

Someone else said their friend had a stash of the urine sample containers at home. It was too late to take that opportunity (And what kind of friend keeps stashes of those anyway?).

In the end, I decided the best container for my urine was my bladder itself. I decided to go with it full (it always is anyway).

Upon asking, the doctor's office said that they didn't actually need a urine sample; the letter was in fact a form letter.

Woo hoo, I kept my urine sample to myself. Now I store my urine samples in this porcelain container in our loo.

(What a freakin' weirdo form letter!)

Dead Banana Peel

2006-11-23T13:06:00.000Z

Dead Banana Peel
On the desk
Longing for compost.

Revisión de Restaurante Las Palmas, en Englis.

2006-11-15T13:56:00.000Z

Las Palmas is a delectable little Mexican restaurante, found on Isla Holbox, on the east border of the "city centre", so to speak.

This restaurante review will cover various aspects of the service, quality of food, and cleanliness of Las Palmas. Among other things, it will address specific threats to public health, potential of receiving food poisoning, and verifiable, unsanitary conditions.

Las Palmas was found to be a truly rich experience of fresh seafood, individualised service, and cool breezes. Service offered to patrons proved to be thoroughly focused. On our visits, which numbered several within one week, we had the same greeter, waiter, and cook every time! (When I say this, I mean the same person did the greeting, waiting, and cooking, yes, every visit there.) Our waiter reliably ensured our orders were filled correctly (after all, he was the one doing the cooking), and was consistenly available for further requests (when he wasn't helping us, he was sitting at a nearby table watching mexican music videos the whole time). By the end of our time on Isla Holbox, we were like old friends!

The food, ah, the food. Savoury, delish dishes which we ate with metaphorical relish. A few dishes deserve special mention, and reflect our ordering habits:

Platanos Frito - the fried bananas were absolutely chock full of mouth-watering flavour. I don't even know how you can fit that much flavor in to one banana! Served on a bed of rice, the bananas were the ultimate price too - 150 pesos for a plate of rice with many fried bananas. A wonderful appetizer to any meal.

Pescado Frito - a complete fried red snapper, all inclusive (with bones, eyes, fins, everything). They slap the whole fish on the grill, then toss it on to your plate, and the result could not be more pleasant. The flavour overwhelms your mouth with immense natural flavours, begging for more and more. And, the fish is always fresh. Being a fishing village, you can be assured the fish came right out of the ocean that very morning. 550 pesos for an entire fish, served with a side of lettuce and tomatoes.

Ceviche de Camarones - the Shrimp Ceviche (ceviche means "marinated in lime") was a surreal carribean experience. If you like your meals fresh and refreshing, this is the definite choice. Chunks of tomato, avocado, cilantro, onion, and other fresh details, combined with ocean fresh shrimp, presented smothered in an ideal lime ocean. This dish was around 950 pesos, a stretch as far as mexican budgets go, but exceedingly deserving.

Piña Colada - Be sure to make this a priority while visiting Las Palmas. There is nothing like such a lovely drink, made with the ultimate in fresh fruit, and presented in the yucatanean atmosphere of Las Palmas. Around 250 pesos.

Ratings of Key Aspects of Las Palmas:

Friendly service

Fresh food

Level of Public Health

Presence of toilet seats

Availability of purified water

Temperature

Artistic wall murals

Authentic Mexican music

Presence of food poisoning

Sanitary conditions

Hope has returned!!

2006-09-10T22:55:00.000+01:00

So a number of factors have come together quite simultaneously, forcing me to realize the trauma I am afflicting on to the world. Yes, even I, have the potential for wreaking unjust havoc on the world. How is that, you say? Well, I'm sure you have suspected the root cause. Yes, it is because I have stopped giving the gift of myself through blog posts to the world. The world has only gone downhill since I stopped posting and declared my blog dead to the world... so with this in mind, I am fully intentionally hoping for the possibility of rejuvenating hope for the world. In the form of my blog. I am beginning to realize it's vast powers.

Recommence hope now.

To make it official...

2005-07-10T17:11:00.000+01:00

This blog's glory days are officially over. Although this truth has been clear for the most part, for months now, many loyalists have been holding on desperately to thin, transparent strands of hope for the illogical possibility of rejuvenation.

Give it up, my dear loyalists.

PS If you want a good story, just come to me in person. Those stories run through the very fiber of my being.

Justin's Freestyle Rap

2005-03-12T01:59:00.000Z

My little brother sent me this over AIM when I was gone:

yo!
your my big sister and to you I owe, much of my skills and wisdom fo sho!
I once was young, weak and po', but you taught me how to work up a little dough
Now for all who ask who made me into this, i shout it out, yo check out, it was my big sis
word!
that's my freestyle rap

Wow he is quite the talent. I've been wondering why the blazes record labels aren't pounding down the doors for his mad song-writing skills.

Lets go climb trees in the cemetary!

2005-02-09T09:36:00.000Z

Last Thursday was a beautiful day outside, and the sun was out and the world was happy! My little brother, who is hilarious and amazing and the coolest little brother around, he got out of school early because he is a senior in high school and that happens. And he asked his friend if he would go climb trees in the cemetary with him, because me and Justin used to do that on fabulous days. And his friend thought he was really strange, and it made Justin happy. So he called me because it reminded him of me. Climbing trees in the cemetary is a good thing about life.

The United State's Role in International Aid

2005-02-02T07:41:00.000Z

There are many aspects of United States’ policy which require our attention, either to demand more complete human rights or to attempt to redistribute the polarized wealth. As I realize more and more every week, there are policies within our nation which threaten, or already take advantage of, the personal rights of the residents within our borders. These things must be addressed for the present and future assurance of individual and national well-being. I in no way want to undermine the importance of these daunting issues. However, I do believe in focusing on the domestic issues of our national community, we overlook the fact that we are part of the world community as a whole. Focusing all our attention on the issues within our nation (which are, no doubt, noble), it becomes easy to overshadow the dire needs of other nations of the world. The responsibility we have as a leading world power to contribute to solving global issues of the international community is forgotten in light of domestic issues.
One issue of our international policy is our lack of following through with commitments. In 1970, the U.S., along with 21 other nations, pledged .7% of their gross national income to go directly to development assistance to the global community. The goal of this attempt was to “tackle poverty, hunger and disease and promote education and development” (Lederer). Last Monday, the U.N.’s report, the Millenium Declaration, stated that “global poverty can be cut in half by 2015 and eliminated by 2025 if the world’s richest countries … more than double aid to the poorest countries” (Lederer). Supporting this, the report stated that “one billion people live on a dollar a day or less, many of them going to bed hungry every night; life expectancy in the poorest countries is half that in high-income countries” (Lederer). In addition, if countries meet their pledges, “more than 50 million people can escape poverty and tens of millions can avoid certain death in the next decade” (Lederer). Yet despite this, only five countries are meeting their pledges: Denmark, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden (UN Assembly). The United States currently spends only .15% of our gross domestic product on development aid, which I see as a huge failure on our part. By not supporting development assistance, we are failing to recognize our responsibility to the world community in favor of our own economic gain. As the Millennium Declaration urges, “we must not wait for confirmation of our worst fears to put the full force of the international community behind an immediate and definitive end to the atrocities. If we fail to act here, we lose not only lives but also all credibility” (UN Assembly).
What if the United States took initiative in assisting countries in need? What if we met our pledge of .7% toward worldwide development assistance? We could lead by action, working to enact the possibility of eliminating global poverty in less than 25 years, as the U.N. discovered is possible. In addition to considering meeting the pledges we’ve made, there are other steps toward giving poverty-ridden nations a feasible chance at survival. One option is the full cancellation of poor nations’ debt. Jubilee South is an international movement network working toward the cancellation of all immoral, illegitimate, and unjust debts. They observe that debt is often used “as an instrument of exploitation and control of our peoples, resources, and countries” (Jubilee South). If the U.S. took the enormous step of canceling the debts of poverty-stricken nations, it would allow disadvantaged economies to get a jumpstart on self-sufficiency. However, canceling the external debt is not enough; “the unfair trade relations and the economic model implemented in debtor nations must be overhauled as well” (Third World Network). There would undoubtedly be challenges to this action, including questions of supporting regimes we don’t condone, what future obligations this would leave us with in regards to debt, and how to classify which countries receive the relief (not to mention the politics surrounding such a suggestion). A petition presented to the U.N. in 2000 included 22 million signatures “calling for the cancellation of debts of the world’s poorest nations” (Third World Network). In return for debt cancellation, the indebted countries would be required to show “demonstrable commitments to poverty reduction” (Third World Network). One follow up of this petition and its addressed concerns is the Millennium Declaration, mentioned earlier. The pledges made by the U.S. and other nations under this declaration are a tangible step toward concrete solutions to the problem of poverty across the world. While these pledges are an effective tool to reduce world poverty, they will only be successful if we actually meet them. The minute cost to us compared to the incredible returns it would bring to the world community makes such goals worthy of our much-needed attention. These dire needs of the world community are often overshadowed or ignored. However, it is necessary to the entire world that developed nations such as the U.S. consider what can be done to reduce world poverty, hunger, disease, and other deadly forces.

These are the places I got my information from - really good sources. Interesting too!

Jubilee South. Retrieved 20 January 2005from Jubilee South, Jubilee South news story thing, and this other one from Jubilee South.

Lederer, Edith M. U.N. Report Urges Aid to Poor Countries. Associated Press article accessed 20 January 2005 from truthout.org.

Third World Network Online. Retrieved 20 January 2005 from twnside.org and twnside.org #2.

UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Retrieved 20 January 2005 from www.un.org.

United Nations General Assembly. Implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration: Report of the Secretary-General. 27 August 2004. Retrieved 20 January 2005 from UN Millenium Declaration Implementation.

Ya know ... The usual

2005-01-28T09:09:00.000Z

This is my friend Troy. He is really awesome, as is obvious from this picture.

On another note, we had a little shindig out in the grass median of 17th tonite (Greek Row). We brought kitchen chairs, popcorn, blankets and hot chocolate and sat down and watched the (extremely interesting) world pass by. It was classic. We are thinking it would be pretty good if it was a Thursday night tradition. I met a guy who knows Norwegian. Wow!

2005-01-16T06:00:00.000Z

How can people even attempt to discover a "theory of everything"?? Albert Einstein tried, Steven Hawking tried and eventually came to the conclusion it cannot be done, this guy Professor Michio Kaku is going for it too. How can someone possibly imagine that it would be possible, within the limits of one life, or even a couple lifespans, to figure something like that out?!?! Dr. Kaku's goal is to "complete Einstein's dream of a 'theory of everything', a single equation that unifies the 4 fundamental forces of the universe". I heard him first on Coast to Coast AM with Art Bell. He was talking about parallel universes, black holes, white holes, and worm holes to alternate dimensions. His proposed theory is that black holes are really worm holes into parallel universes, where if one persay jumped into a black hole, they would travel through it and shoot out of the corresponding white hole on the other side. He suggests that in the future, these wormholes may be used for easier travel to either parallel universes, or very distant parts of the same universe, or even time travel. Kaku goes on to further ponder this "delicious controversy which delights theoretical physicists but boggles the mind of mere mortals". His idea of what he considers possibly the solution to the theory of everything is called the String Theory, which has 'survived every blistering mathematical challenge ever hurled at it'. You can read about this, and many other insidious theories at Dr. Kaku's website.

Something else really fabulous: When I was listening to Art Bell (which is by the way like the most wicked sweet radio show of our time 570 AM 9pm - 2am), one of the callers had her own little theory. She said after thinking a lot about things going on around her, from the tsunami to like 4 movies she's been watching (like Armageddon), she's came to a conclusion. Aliens, referred to as "the beings who made us" are going to return to end the world in destruction because they are unhappy with the way we are running things. She said the world will be wiped out by these beings. Oh wait, thats not all. She then reasoned that at the root of the aliens' disappointment are the policies of George W. Bush. Yes, its true. Aliens are coming as we speak to destroy the world because of Bush. I'm slightly skeptical.

A Trio of Notes!!

2005-01-13T07:02:00.000Z

Last week, George W Bush signed a policy that will exterminate all wild horses from the nation.
First link to an article
Second link to another article
I was planning to post on this, because its a pretty lame, ridiculous policy that a lot of people are upset about for good reason. But I've decided there is a lot more stuff going on that hurts people in much worse ways. So I guess this is technically still a post, but I'm not rambling.

On another note, sorry my blog is so very lame o lately. I just haven't had any radical moments that require me to post a story. Maybe one of these days I will.

On another note, this is the plan:
1. Get a boat (or a ship, but thats less likely)
2. Name it Drekar (it means "dragon" in Viking talk)
3. Get a dragon head
4. Mount the dragon head on the bow of the boat/ship

Reasonable Doubt

2005-01-09T04:47:00.000Z

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/dcfsmemo1.html

For reals, people, there is WAY too much 'reasonable doubt' in this situation to assume anything. It's not fair to justice itself to conclude without adequate knowledge that Michael is guilty. It's not fair to unthinkingly nod your head in agreement with anyone who mentions Michael and subsequently shakes their head in unfounded shame. It's not fair, people, to conform to society's quickly formed judgments and generalizations. Give Michael a chance! There are so many undecipherable shades of gray in this entire situation, from the kid's shady testimonies to the past history between Michael Jackson and his prosecutor, District Attorney Tom Sneddon (also listen to Michael's song Leave Me Alone - there are some not-so-secret hidden words in it relating to Tom Sneddon). Open minds, people, open minds. Whatever happened to "innocent until proven guilty"?? Last time I checked, this is America, where the general idea is to give everyone a fair chance, and seek truth and justice.

Leonardo da Vinci

2004-12-27T23:50:00.000Z

"Leonardo Da Vinci was like a man who awoke too early in the darkness, while the others were all still asleep."
Sigmund Freud

This guy was incredible, a genius!! I've always been fascinated by Leonardo da Vinci, but have never taken the time to really look into his work. Just on the surface. I think there's only a few people in all of history who have been so intriguing to me, though. He was so passionate about so many different things, from flying machines to multi-barreled guns, to oil painting, to anatomy. I think it is sweet that he figured out anatomy by cutting up dead people in his workshop. That is so rad. I wonder where he got the dead bodies... but back then, it probably wouldn't be hard. And his drawings are some of the most anatomically correct ever. He used to write a lot of stuff backwards, really accurately, besides the backwards part. I think just for fun. And he was left-handed, back when it wasn't cool.

Feliz Navidad

2004-12-24T07:52:00.000Z

It's Christmas!! It's snowing outside, and the tree is green, and family is here, and I got to bake pie!! I love Christmas.

HAPPY ... happy ... HAPPY ... happy!!

And I watched Home Alone tonite with my best friend! Yay!

2004-12-19T07:54:00.000Z

We're like sheep without a shepherd
Who don't know how to be alone
So we wander 'round this desert
and wind up following the wrong gods home

The Eagles

storytime

2004-12-18T10:10:00.000Z

Well, its about time for a quality story. Today I was walking along the edge of a cliff, when I looked up and saw a torpedo made of machetes and anger. and matches. Now thats a dangerous combination, if I've ever seen one. This mean torpedo was heading straight for the huge stack of dynomite and explosives to my right, and looked pretty intent on reaching it. Closer, closer. Even closer now. And Then. Something completely unexpected happened...a flying elephant swooped in and grabbed the torpedo between his teeth... no I'm just joking. That would have been ridiculous! What actually happened was somewhat realistic. This guy who had been climbing up the side of the cliff with an ice pick and spiked shoes grasped a nearby vine and PPPPFFFFFFTTTTT!!!!!!!

Well that story was really lame and REALLY not going anywhere very exciting. Its a shame, I know. Maybe sometime soon something else incredible will happen to me worthy of a story.

Self-Discovery!?

2004-12-16T00:10:00.000Z

I'm beginning to suspect that I may quite possibly be a sock-kleptomaniac. I keep finding socks in my drawer that I'm pretty sure aren't mine. Sometimes its just one, and that confuses me. But sometimes, its TWO! So I put them on and wear them. It's actually kind of convenient, and useful. If you need to pick up a habit, I suggest sock-kleptomanicaing. Like I said, its been doing great things for me!

2004-12-09T18:42:00.000Z

This is my uncle, Stein. He sometimes is disgruntled. It appears he is disgruntled in this picture, but no. This picture is actually when Stein is in a pleasant mood. Stein likes rye bread and beer. Sometimes he comes to my campfires, and we sit around smoking pipes and other various tobacco wonderfulness, and talk about things like potato guns and cannons and various weaponry. I learn a lot from my uncle Stein. He has lived a lot and has learned a lot, and doesn't talk much, but when he does, its worth listening to.

2004-12-09T18:34:00.000Z

Take the Cicada Test!

Enigma

2004-12-09T07:55:00.000Z

Robin said I am an enigma.

American Education's Downfall

2004-12-09T07:11:00.000Z

A major downfall of our education system, as far as I've been involved with it, is this: From the time we start writing papers and finding data to support our claims, the problem is just that - we try to find data to support our claims, instead of basing our claims off of data. Ideally, there would be time to examine various information thoroughly, and come to a conclusion from the info. Realistically, our education system usually requires us to come up with a thesis first, and then find random facts and somewhat questionable studies to support our pre-formed thesis. There isn't time to read up on stuff. Its much faster to establish a claim, and then find a conglomeration of facts, theories, suppositions, etc to act as "support" - however sketchy and unreliable that is.
So this is the negative aspect. But do you realize whats even worse than this? It's worse, and affects so much more, that we ground our personal ideas, beliefs, etc off of the accumulation of this so-called knowledge. We get so used to this practice, that we aren't as critical as we should be about sources, and accept whatever is easiest and fastest and most accessible. Whatever comes up on the first google search, if you will. Yes, this is extreme, and perhaps exaggerated, but at the same time, its all too often true. I see it in myself, in my own habits as a student. In the paper I'm writing right now, actually. Great!

2004-12-09T05:02:00.000Z

Yesterday I went to Trader Joe's and bought cereal. I got this kind that is a wanna-be Cranberry Almond Crunch but actually called Cranberry Almond Clusters. And I got another kind thats a wanna-be Blueberry Morning (My Favorite!) but it goes farther! It also has this granola-y stuff, and some rice stuff... its pretty good. Except I have been eating it really really fast, like speed-cereal-eating, because it turns the milk purple!! And that kind of isn't my favorite thing, or I'm not really sure why I eat it so fast. It's like a contest, to see who will win - me or the purpleness. I've been losing (On the same note, I just lost!! Aaargh!!).

2004-12-07T00:39:00.000Z

I like people today! I like how everyone is different! Tell me how you are different!

2004-12-02T21:45:00.000Z

There is a travesty upon us. A challenge to the freedom and "pursuit of happiness" guaranteed us by the Constitution. A challenge we must rise up to, make our voices heard, fight the system, stick it to the man!
The city of Tacoma has recently passed a new ordinance which tightens the restrictions on drug paraphanelia. This sounds like a good idea to the typical citizen, but it is actually a breach on our personal freedom. In this case, the ordinance extends far past actual illegal drug use, to infringe on other irrelevant things. The ordinance makes it illegal to sell or purchase hookahs or any form of water pipe within the city of Tacoma!! I understand the motives for people who are actually concerned with drug use, but look at the facts. In actuality, hookahs are not always used for illegal drug use. They may have that connotation for people, but there's actually a significant amount of people who use hookahs to smoke tobacco (which is still currently legal, who knows for how long..). This ordinance is an attempt to decrease drug use, but its put together all wrong! It extends too far, and is an unnecessary means to pursue the city's goals.
here's the article

2004-12-02T00:52:00.000Z

This is a story about a man named Jericho. Jericho was this guy with a really sweet name, who lived in a place called Kalamazoo. In Kalamazoo, there were peach trees all over, and Jericho used to walk around Kalamazoo, plucking peaches from the peach trees and delighting in the effervescent peachy juice that would run down his chin and make his hands all sticky. Jericho really liked to eat those peaches while taking walks and getting all sticky. This is because the stickiness was a good kind of stickiness, the kind that comes from pleasant things like walking around eating peaches. This is not all Jericho did in Kalamazoo. Other times, he would go down to the river, which was usually bordered with trees, big leafy magnificent trees with drooping branches that would bend over the water's edge. There was a spot on the river's bank where there was one fantastic tall tree, and it had a rope swing hanging from it. And while Jericho knew that some people - in fact, most people - would swing from the branches into the stream, Jericho would just swing. He would just hang from the tree, swinging and singing. Yes, Jericho was like a real live musical sometimes. But not the annoying unrealistic kind. Jericho was the kind of live musical who would sing out of an abundance of joy with the beauty around him. He would sing because it was one of the best ways to express his erupting zest for life! This is not all Jericho did in Kalamazoo. What else did Jericho do in Kalamazoo? Sometimes he would go birdwatching. He would go out to the orchards, and sit in the trees, and just sit there all day, taking note of how the colors of the sky would change. And since he came back often, he would see how the trees changed with the seasons, and how the light changed also. Jericho didn't really go birdwatching. He kind of used birdwatching as an excuse to sit in the trees and take in the grandeur of nature. Well, sometimes he watched the birds.

2004-11-26T07:52:00.000Z

Happy Thanksgiving from Roberta the Hen and all of her fellow turkey mates.

2004-11-21T07:46:00.000Z

Amazing person of the Day: Steven Hawking

Steve is most known for his expansive work on black holes. He's pretty much a genius. In addition to discovering theories about black holes, he spent most of his life searching for answers of the quantum theory. It's hard to understand, especially if one doesn't have concern of scientific details, but from what I understand, quantum theory is the theory that there is one equation that can be the scientific explanation for everything - a constant, applicable to everything. Albert Einstein searched for it, to no avail. Steven Hawking likewise spent forever searching for it, and someone told me he eventually just gave up and decided he didn't really care. I'm not sure. But he is an amazing guy. He also has ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), which concluded w/ him getting a tracheoctomy. Now he talks through a speech synthesizer.
Did you think all of this surpassingly great stuff about Steve was all?!? Well, it's for sure not all. There is so much more to Steven Hawking... He is a HUGE fan of Pink Floyd - like an uber-fan, basically. He financed the whole project of The Wall movie. He is featured on the amazing song "Keep Talking" on Pink Floyd's Division Bell album. It's his voice through the voice synthesizer. Steven Hawking's only complaint with the voice synthesizer is that it gives him an American accent (It was created by this guy in California). Steven is an Englishman. I'd be disappointed too, but at least it wasn't created by some guy in Mississippi or something. That'd be worse, eh?
Note to reader(s): Yeah I cannot figure out how to make all the font the same. You'd think this was easy. I dunno what to tell you. Call it abstract.

2004-11-19T07:09:00.000Z

2004-11-18T00:54:00.000Z

"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars..." Jack Kerouac

I'm pretty sure Jack Kerouac is a pretty cool guy. He was Canadian (albeit French-Canadian). He followed the passions of his heart in so many fabulous ways! He hitchhiked across America. He wrote his book On The Road in three weeks! Then he decided to get into Buddhism and went down to Mexico to meditate. After that, he got into - or started - the beat scene, and spent lots of time at poetry readings. I think the coolest thing about him is he wasn't afraid to leave where he was and go where he wanted to. He would totally drop everything and be a nomad ... a vagabond. Wow...
The bad news is he became an alchoholic, which caused his death. Thats sad. Its too bad that so many people live adventurous and enlightening lives, then end up letting something like alchohol or drugs kill them. I hope I live an adventurous and inconceivable life, and then don't die because of something stupid like that. I want die doing something amazing, like bicycling across Greenland, or spelunking in Mongolia. Or swordfighting. Or canoeing around the Aluetian Islands (wow that sounds pretty cool!).

A (typical?) weekend

2004-11-16T01:25:00.000Z

The day finally arrived. The day for Joel's Birthday. The day for Eel Pie! With lots of capitalization for excitement. It was everything we all hoped it would be...I think. We bought the eels live, we watched the fish men chop off their heads live, we then carried them home in a plastic bag live, and laid them out to be skinned - yes still live, even with the heads chopped off! Or at least they were in that akward stage closer to death than life, but the muscles just can't let go of the life so they keep squirming, and trying to escape death's cold grasp... oh wait, that was the pliers I used to skin them with! You can see the whole story in pictures here at Nate's picture site. I made my very first eel fillets. I think I did pretty decent. It was wicked crazy. Happy Birthday Joel!

Turns out some other randomly fabulous stuff happened this weekend too. Overshadowed by eel pie of course. I saw a full size dinosaur fossil, completely put together and roaring, in the front room of a house - on Lake Washington, yes. It was amazing. A few people had a few ideas of what you could do... instead of a Christmas tree, put lights on the dino's bones, and that can be the tree! Very festive.

There was a traditional campfire last thursday night with all the coolest people in puyallup there. You missed it.

Also... a tip... stay away from large amounts of wasabi.

2004-11-09T09:36:00.000Z

My last name is Ehli. This is from my grandpa's side, which is German Russian. Turns out Ehli is a variation of Ehle, which is a Swiss word. The word Ehle is actually North German (this is somewhat circular, I don't understand either), and its from a short form of the personal name Ehlebrecht. The word Ehlebrecht is Germanic. It means Ehle = "edge" or "point" (Of a SWORD!!) + Berht (Brecht) = "Bright" or "shining".
Here's a more structured way for easy reference for all of you interested... actually its for myself:
Ehli
Ehle (swiss/North German)
Ehlebrecht
Ehle= "edge" or "point" of a sword
Berht = Brecht = "bright" or "shining"

Thus, Ehli comes from a word that essentially means "resplendent sword", which is a beautiful thing! And when you break it down, Ehli means the edge/tip of the sword - the sharp deadly part! Wow I never knew blades were in my blood! I got all this valuable information from here.

What are we going to do today, Brain?

2004-11-07T07:24:00.000Z

The same thing we do everyday, Pinky. Try to take over the world.
Everyday, I come up with many many grandiose plans of how to better enjoy life. Many things. everyday. Things I always plan to do, and usually they never quite get off the ground. Its true. Hmm I just got a fabulous idea! My new hobby can be to come up with great ideas and never do them! Oh wait.. it already is. Even right now, I look at the wall above my computer. Whats there? Oh, lets see. Many exciting things that would let you into little parts of my life. Among them, though, is "My Treehouse, Version 1". Created by yours truly on 31 August 04. It is the wicked sweet floorplan for my wicked sweet treehouse, which I will make someday. I have to be honest, all my ideas are amazing and fabulous and more than anyone could imagine. I really like all the ideas too. They make me happy, just thinking about them. And coming up with more. Its awesome. I think I might make a list of new ideas on the side of my blog. Okay I will do that now, and add to the list as the ideas come... now you can all live vicariously through my vicarious life!

2004-11-04T07:09:00.000Z

The limestone cliffs of Australia. Wow! It reminds me of looking down at Cannon Beach from Ecola Park... One of the best things in the world.

Elusive Eel

2004-11-02T09:44:00.000Z

Joel wants an eel pie for his birthday pie. Today I was traipsing through the internet archives and the expansive yellow pages, attempting to find a seller of the grand water-swimmer the eel. It was a noble attempt, and I didn't think too much of a request, for some fresh eel. The internet dissappointed, a rare occurence. Either the websites were so confusing it wasn't worth attempting, or they were more focused on selling in larger quantities than the two eel I require. So I regressed to one of those ancient models of search engines, made of paper, called the telephone book. Did you realize they still come out with new models of those things?! Albiet they are as confusing as black holes, but this time, it came through. Go Dex. Anyways, I looked up "fish and seafood", at the suggestion of the "seafood" page. There was a magnificent list of seafood providers, from "Bud's Bait" to "Crab Guys The" to "Wong Tung Seafood Inc." I made some calls, got my request down to a record .7 seconds after all that practice, and faced way too many rejections. I accidently called one place twice, and they said, "Didn't you just call?" And referred me to Uwajimaya, who only have frozen eel (If you're going to make eel pie, you've got to go all out and get fresh). They said that's all I was going to find. The very next place I called, however, surpassed my expectations. Of course they would - as soon as I saw their name, I knew if they didn't have it, no one would. Lucky Seafood came through!! I called, said the usual "Do you have eel?" They said, "Eel?"
I said, "yes. Eel."
They replied, "Yes."
I asked, "Fresh?"
They responded, "Live. Live Eel."
Surprised, I asked, "Live? How do I kill it?"
The one word response was all it took: "Chop!"
Lucky Seafood is the place to go for all of your eel needs!
Later tonite, I was searching the internet archives, having had my fill of the yellow pages, for information on how to go about killing and preparing a live eel for cooking. This is what I found:
"To clean, cut a slit thru the skin all the way around at the neck, just behind the gills. Nail the head to a tree, and then take a pair of needlenose pliers, and grab the skin at the slit, and pull staight down.
Then clean out the guts and lop off the head.
Ah just like Granpa use to do back when I was a boy. Thought it was so cool."
Pretty wicked sweet. Turns out we have a tree, so that will be useful. And we thought that tree was good for nothing! this is an online discussion board with fellow eel lovers talking about their memories of childhood eel eatings. Pretty random, eh?

Average Joe Schriner for Prez, 2004

2004-10-21T01:04:00.000+01:00

This is Average Joe Schriner, my candidate for the 2004 presidential election. This guy has some noble purposes, and great plans that could be reached if there were more people like him. I really like how he is looking for America to be a place of small communities who support eachother on a more micro level, willingly and peacably. It is also fabulous that he is into a much greater support of third world countries, and disadvantaged societies. He wants to support them as if the world was one community, as it in fact should be, instead of many communities all struggling to be 'the best'. He aslo has an interesting plan for universal health care, saying that there should be clinics who rely partly on volunteer workers to run, and this will make it possible for many more to get health care they desperately need. Since 1990, Joe has been on a trek across the nation, going everywhere and nowhere, and learning about the problems people face daily, learning the best solutions, from real people in real life. One time, he was in Juarez, Mexico, and saw how deep the poverty was there. Then he looked across the border fence to El Paso, Texas, a well-off town. And he asked himself, "What would Jesus do with the fence?" He seems like a great listener, who actually is concerned with what your saying. If you want a man with integrity, concern, this is the guy.... "The Average Joe for the Common Man."
Joe's web Site
Where's Joe?

2004-10-20T00:31:00.000+01:00

Today, I was facing a serious quandary on my way home from my first class. It was suffocating - the rain - as it always is. One of those atrocious days that bring out all the questions... I was desperately trying to answer my question of why in the world I am here, walking in this deranged weather, passing by many others whose faces reflect my own - acidic versions of walking drones of our capitalistically educated society, whose inner desires cannot possibly be fulfilled by this constant stream of the Americanized education system with all its biases, prejudices, slants, and stagnant theories. All to what end? To become fully contributing walking drones, efforting toward fitting ourselves into the puzzle, with our own biases, prejudices, slants, and stagnant theories. And suddenly, it all drifted away... no more students, no more classes, no more Americanized standardized education, no more rain, no more mushy leaves on the ground just waiting to victimize me in my untractioned flip-flops. I was free from expectations, responsibilities, and demands. I was free, in my hammock, next to the beach in Costa Rica. With pineapple, and iced tea. There I was, unconcerned with how our country will surely be on the way to an immoral dire end if whosoever gets elected; unconcerned with the flaws in our economic structure that will unavoidably be present despite who is in charge; unconcerned with the necessity of me retaining employment, regardless of how much I hate it and everything it stands for; unconcerned with all of these peripheral notions of 'success', while I stand here sifting through it, trying to determine what 'success' actually is, and whether I can really find it in the midst of this world.
All that was there was the hammock and me, and endless blue skies. The world was mine! That is ultimate freedom and independence - a hammock and blue skies.
Of course, it was inevitable that my state of mind must return to what most call 'reality'. So here I am, coming to some extremely fragile conclusions of why I am here, and not in Costa Rica. If you wake up one day, and walk around for another couple days, and wonder why you haven't seen me in a while, then you'll know. Costa Rica is the place to be.

2004-10-18T21:25:00.000+01:00

I had a dream last night that it was Christmas!! We were at my grandparent's house, only it was at their old house in Tacoma, and everything was Christmasy! There was Christmas food, and Christmas smells, and Christmas family, and Christmas was everywhere and everyone was happy and merry and cheery and the world was grand! Yay for Christmas!!!

2004-10-14T06:44:00.000+01:00

This will be my next big purchase!! An authentic, lively ant farm!! I am super excited... I will update you on it when I get it. It will probably be a while.

2004-10-13T06:49:00.000+01:00

It scares me to think that maybe prayer can't really change things. Maybe prayer can't really change people. How could it? Its hard for me to keep the hope that my prayers actually influence anything.

2004-10-03T22:22:00.007+01:00

Healing Art Missions is this fabulous organization I recently came across. Their primary objective is to support health clinics and schools in Demier, Haiti. One of the ways they do this is by buying art from local artists in Haiti and bringing it to America, where they hold Auctions and Art Benefits. Here, they sell the art, and then give the money back to the Haitian communities. And guess what?! They are having a Haitian Art Benefit right here in Seattle, at Seattle University on 10 October 04. All the proceeds support improved health and education for Haitians. It looks to be a well-organized mission with solid goals.
I went to Haiti in July of 2000, and it was a life changing experience for me. It was my first experience with outside cultures, and what an experience it was! I came away from the trip a different person. One of the things our mission's leader Greg told us that will stick with me was that "You may leave Haiti, but Haiti will never leave you." He was right. The amazing people of Haiti need our support, not only in money, but in prayer.
Go Haiti!

Note to Jeff: This reminded me of that jungle painting you bought in Haiti - follow this link and you'll no longer feel like you paid too much!

2004-09-23T06:11:00.000+01:00

Important Things to Teach You Today

2004-09-19T09:17:00.000+01:00

#1 on Important Things to Teach You Today: Bryan enlightened me as to one of the more wonderful things I've been told about - the world of online radio. The best (out of the two I've listened to) is here and it plays world music. Great stuff to listen to while sitting in your easy chair drinking coffee and reading and burning incense. Mmm.

#2 on Important Things to Teach You Today:
If I die in a tragic accident, by all means, NEVER do anything related to tacky yard pinwheels - not patriotic ones, not flower ones, nothing. Yard pinwheels are one of the more hideous things of this world, and I want no part in them in life or in death. Tacky yard decorations like pink flamingos are awesome - they are so tacky its hilarious. Lawn gnomes are up in the air. They make me laugh because they are so tacky its hilarious like the flamingos. But the pinwheels I'm serious about. They make me cry.

2004-09-17T06:50:00.000+01:00

Guess what I did tonite. If you know me and my recent habits at all, you'll be able to guess. Thats right. I made pie. Again. Tonite, it was Apple-peach. I made two tonite. I tend to make two at a time, not because I eat pie that rapidly, but because I figure, hey, if I'm going to make one, I might as well make two! And its funny how this happens, but when I make pie, suddenly I have a lot more friends! Its great. I even got a marraige proposal after someone tried my pie. Actually it wasn't quite a proposal, he just told me we were getting married. So if any of you girls are looking for techniques, there ya go! Quit dressing trashy, and just make pie!
Tonite, my pie making skills exceeded themself once again, with a personal record. I made the pies tonite without so much as looking at a recipe! Can you believe that? And they turned out wonderful! I surprised even myself, yes its true. The only thing I forgot to do is to peel the apples. Minor details. And I forgot to sprinkle almonds on the first one, but thats okay. Thats an optional detail anyway. They are better with almonds. I figure now that I don't even need a recipe, I'm a pie expert. So ask me for all your pie making questions. Its a good thing I'm so humble about this, eh? Also, if your birthday is coming up, and you feel you merit one of my very own homemade pies, let me know. I just might make it happen (offer only valid if you live in WA state).

Thats How I Roll

2004-09-11T07:15:00.000+01:00

This is a stupid story and can be told in a couple of words. Two years ago shortly after the opening of that railway (whatever its called), I was taking care of some extremely important business. I bought a ticket, got on, sat down, and started smoking. That is, I went on smoking the cigar I had lit already. I was alone in the compartment. Smoking wasn't forbidden back then, but then it wasn't exactly allowed either; its sort of one of those half-allowed things, and of course it depends on the individual. The window was open. All of a sudden, just before the whistle (this was back when there was whistles), two ladies sit down right across from me with a lapdog. You know, one of those little kick-me dogs. They'd been late getting on. One of them was most elegantly dressed in light blue, the other more modestly in black silk and a cape. Not bad-looking. Very haughty. Spoke in English. Of course I go right on smoking. That is, I did give it a thought but went on smoking anyway, letting the smoke go out the window, since it was open. The kick-me dog is sitting there in the pale-blue-lady's lap. A little thing, no bigger than my fist, black with little white paws - quite an oddity. Had a silver collar with a motto, you know the kind you see high-class women in U-Village carrying around in their purses. I pay no attention, except I do notice that the ladies are apparently displeased. By the cigar, of course. You know how people persecute smokers. One of them glares at me through her tortoise shell glasses. I go right on paying no attention - naturally, because they don't say anything! If they'd said something, warned me, asked me - because, after all, people are capable of speech! But not a noise from them. Then suddenly - mind you, without the slightest warning, with absolutely no warning at all, just as if she had lost her mind, the pale-blue-one snatches the cigar out of my hand and flings it out the window. The train is racing along, and I'm staring at her like a half-wit. The woman is savage, she's a wild woman; I mean absolutely primitive. What's more, she's a big round plump woman, a blonde with pink cheeks (too pink, in fact), and her eyes are flashing at me. So, without a word, I lean forward, and with exceptional courtesy, with perfect politeness, you might even say with elegance, I get hold of the kick-me dog with two fingers by the scruff of the neck and heave it out the window after the cigar. It let out just one yelp. The train was racing along... And I was right too, absolutely right! Because if cigars are prohibited on railway cars, dogs are all the more!

a mere 12 days and counting down!!!

2004-09-07T06:04:00.000+01:00

Ahoy mates!!

Here

be the thing!! Only 12 days left till the Official Talk Like A Pirate Day (September 19th)!! Ye all be practicin' yer jargon, saavy? I be expectin' yer AARs to be rollin!!

Success Rate of Defeating Pterodactyls Remains at 100%

2004-09-07T05:53:00.000+01:00

I was down by some docks on Montlake Cut today, and as I was gazing down into the waters, my sight was suddenly interfered with a fully dead rat (It was fo shizzle not merely mostly dead, but fully dead). My jaw dropped as rapidly as my grade dropped in Eastern Religions class last winter (It was rapid). I instantaneously thought of the massive repercussions behind this solitary deceased rodent - the dragon that was surely lurking nearby! As you all know, dragons are known for breathing fire and plundering wealth, yes, but more than this, they are renown for their inevitable presence near dead rodents. Sure enough, before I could say "Pocatello", a huge, algae-colored, diamond-studded, fire-breathing dragon burst out of the waters with his massive teeth bared in a devilish grin! As a natural reflex of situations like this, I immediately unsheathed my sword, ready to give this dragon a dire and dreadful demise. I must have looked ridiculously tough and awesome standing there, with my sword wielded and my stance firm! As soon as he saw the shimmering glint of steely determination in my eyes, he knew I was for reals. But then - an unexpected twist! Our stare-down was broken by a sudden espionage of swooping pterodactyls!! I faltered slightly, but then, looking back to Mr. Dragon, he and I both realized to grasp the height of success, we must join our powerful forces to create an impenetrable strength. We made a silent pact to stand by each other's defense until we attained our entirely conceivable effort toward the complete obliteration of the pterodactyl camaraderie. The battle was fierce. Do you have any idea how grizzled a camaraderie of pterodactyls is? Nine hours later, with the threat of darkness looming, me and Mr. Dragon looked at each other with a look of satisfaction, resheathed our weapons (him his teeth, me my sword), and collapsed onto the grass in a state of utter and complete euphoria. We hardly even noticed the piles of dead pterodactyls surrounding the area, floating in the water, hanging from the trees... The beauty of our success was inundating. There has never been a better team in all the world and otherworlds than me and Mr. Dragon. And we did it all spontaneously, without so much as a word of preparation or encouragement. It was surreal.

2004-09-04T05:31:00.003+01:00

I will now list the reasons why cheese is bad:
1. Its made of plastic
2. We shouldn't eat food that squeaks
3. It comes in far to many forms to classify as an acceptable food
4. Can you say ... feta?
5. It stinks
6. Wheels are not meant to be eaten
7. wiggle cheese
8. It makes the world a worse place
9. It makes me cry
10. Tillamook should really quit cheese-making altogether and focus on ice cream
11. You can't do anything useful with cheese, like build treehouses or light lamps...
12. It can't be blended or made into a pie
13. Cheese is gross

Join the Anti-Cheese Revolution today! Go here and join the movement!

My Treehouse

2004-09-03T06:12:00.000+01:00

Sorry it's been so long... I was out taming a wild honeymoon stallion.

It turns out I have a numerous amount of goals... goals some would call outrageous, absurd, ya know. And some of them are, yes. But they are mine, and I can have whatever goals I want. And the ones I really care about, I'll figure out and get them done. And the ones I don't care so much about, I'll gradually forget about and replace with other goals.
One of my more reachable goals is to build myself a treehouse. But not just any treehouse. My treehouse will be comfortable, relaxing, easygoing, a haven for chillin' out. The kind of place you imagine when you close your eyes and pretend you're lying in a hammock drinking pineapple juice (I know I'm not the only one). The other day, I began my floorplans for my treehouse. Its a rough sketch, and my envisioning will continue to flourish and add on. But, because you are such a special friend of mine, I will let you in on the beginnings. I hope these mere sparks will bring you a little of the utopia I am driving toward.

The first feature of my treehouse is the entrance. Its a mango tree! You climb up the tree to reach the first floor of the treehouse. When you step in my oasis, the first thing you notice is the floor is sand! Thats right, you get the grand opportunity to walk around in your bare feet (no shoes allowed in my tree house) in sand. Look to your right! Hanging from two trees is an amazing mayan hammock that is calling your name... Theres a skylight above it and a window next to it, so it'll be a great place to watch stars or just meditate. Across the treehouse from the mango tree entry, it opens up to a wide deck. On the deck is a table, multi-functional for houka smoking, other smoking, playing cards, ya know. That kind of stuff. It'll be great. On the west side of the deck, there is a palm tree! If you know how to climb palm trees, you can climb up about 8 more feet to a crow's nest and sit there and eat coconuts that grow on the tree. Okay, now come back inside. There's cushions all over the floor for lounging. There's lots of windows too. Hmm.. maybe they won't be windows, just shutters we can shut if we must. That way it'd be more like outside. I like outside. What else is there? Ooh there is an evergreen tree, a real big one, next to the mango entry. Except this tree, its a tree on the outside, but on the inside it's all hollowed out, and has a fireman's pole in it to slide down to get out! I can't wait. Also, under the treehouse, in the ground is a hot tub. Nice. I have the floor plan if you want to see it sometime. I think I'll have a second level eventually. I'm also considering making a bridge over to another grouping of trees, but I'm not sure what I'll have over there. There will be more revisions, over time. Oh I just had a flash of inspiration! Hanging from the treehouse, nearish to the hot tub, are two swings! Cheers to Becky, my favorite swinging partner.

I'm Joshua Abraham Norton

2004-09-03T03:03:00.000+01:00

Which Historical Lunatic Are You?

You're a loony! This is appallingly accurate... Joshua Abraham Norton declared himself emperor of the USA... He dissolved congress, and when that was largely ignored, declared it could resume. In the 1790 census, his occupation was listed as 'emperor.' Other awesome stuff. Like me, he was largely ignored in his commands. But, his funeral was marked by a total eclipse of the sun. I'm impressed.
I now declare myself emperor (This guy died a while back, so now I'm it). From hence forward, Heather Elizabeth Ehli is declared Emperor of the United States of America and of Canada. let it be so. Amen.

Cheers to Robb. Who will support me.

A Cry For Help

2004-08-22T01:36:00.000+01:00

Hello. I am facing you today with a serious matter. It is a matter that will reveal your true nature, more or less. My li'l brudder has a blog, yes its true. I know you've all been wondering more about him. Well to the point, eh? He has a blog, and is sad because no one leaves comments for him. And once in a while, he actually has some humourous stuff on it. So if you would, go here and read his brilliancy - it runs in the family - and leave a little encouragement. I realize this parallels Joel's request regarding his sister mightily a lot, but hey now. Hes another one of those in desperate need of attention.

Mrs Bear

2004-08-20T06:19:00.001+01:00

It was one of those days.. yesterday.. one of those days when you can just tell something is going to go unexpectedly askew. Me and my ma went up to Mt. Ranier to go hiking. We go up to Paradise every year, and frolic and go gallavanting around the meadows. So we start out on Skyline trail, like usual, and eventually decide to take the trail over to Reflection Lakes. The trail is beautiful, the mountain is fantastic, the sun is wonderful, everything is perfect. And the trail is empty. I mean, no people. None. Nobody is around at all. I could hear the wind whipping around the trees, I could hear cougars slowly skulking around the trees, watching our every step. Every step we took, the trail got smaller and smaller, the brush invaded more and more. Finally I was forced to take out my machete and make the trail happen myself. I knew it was there somewhere, I just had to follow my instincts. And no one matches my skill with a machete. So we were doing pretty good.. Except when I realized I forgot my bear bells. Now people, they sell those for a reason! And they work so well! I kept them right by my desk all year last year at UCU, and guess what?! Thats right.. never saw one bear all year! Anyways, this would have been okay, but I didn't bring my knife either. I know. I was totally out of it that morning. Anyways, me and my ma kept seeing these huge clumps of bear fur all over. So we decide to keep our eyes open. This is like 3 miles in to this hike to the lakes. We keep walking, walking, walking, keep walking.. then, we hear something! Crashing through the woods!! 'Oh man, this is my moment to shine!' I thought, 'to get that bear rug I really want!' So I'm ready, I'm pumped. And out comes this tough hiker lady. I'm like, 'its cool. The bears will come later' (I'm looking forward to seeing bears, while my ma's all trying to think up alternate explanations for all the bear fur). So theres this lady. I ask, 'seen any bears?' She replies, like any of us familiar with forests and bears, 'oh not since last week. Last week I saw a mother black bear with 2 cubs.' So we keep walking, macheteing, ya know. The usual. Keep walking, walking, walking. We're like 13 miles in to the hike by now. And all of a sudden, I hear the sure sign of a bear. I look to my left. Nothing. I look to my right. Nothing. I glance back at my ma. Nothing. Turn back around. Then I think, wait a second. When I look back at my ma, there should be more than nothing. I look back again. Nothing. My ma is vanished!! I quickly act, because I'm so on top of situations like these. I follow the sounds of crunching flesh to a tree, and see a bear going crazy behind it!! My gosh, I think... I've got to act fast!! So I yell at him, I say "Hey, Smoky! Yeah, I'm talking to you! Thats right! Whatever your gnawing on, put it down right now and face me like the bear you are!" So he gets up off his bum, and turns around. Its then that I see its not my ma he's gnawing on. Its just a little bunny rabbit.. a bunny rabbit that deserves to be eaten, like the one on Monty Python and the Holy Grail .. one of those killer bunny rabbits. So then, I'm like, well should I fight this bear like I was planning, or should I make friends? Then I see my ma over to the east picking blackberries with this bear's kids (Turns out this bear is a female). I'm like, oh yeah. This is the kind of bear you can be friends with. So I start talking friendly to this Mrs. Bear. It doesn't take to long to yak it up with her .. I'm a pretty likable character. Most people can see I'm good natured and awesome. Including this Mrs Bear. So pretty soon, we're sitting on this fallen tree, yakking it up. So eventually, shes gotta get going, I've gotta get going, so we finish up our chat and move on our ways. Me and my mom hike the remaining 7 miles to the lake, then back the 20 miles. It turned out to be a pretty long hike, but it makes it easier when you know the bears are on your side. Turned out to be a quite amazing day. So next time you see a bear in the Mt Ranier area, and your a little precarious, just mention my name. They'll probly bake you a blackberry pie, just for mentioning my name!

California Raisins!

2004-08-17T21:15:00.000+01:00

The more I think about it, how good of an idea is it to have your marketing strategy be an encouragement to eat the same little guys you watch dance across your tv screen? They are so awesome and really good at doing so many different things, like play soccer (as you can see). It makes me sad. But at least the actual raisins when you buy them in the store don't have little faces on them, like gummy bears. Thats another example of bad marketing strategy. Little kids first watch the cartoon gummy bears on tv, and then beg their mom to buy gummy bears at the store so they can eat them? I dunno... its a little sketchy. My little brother told me yesterday it made him sad to eat gummy bears as a kid, because they are so lifelike. I laughed at him and told him I always liked to bite the heads off first.

I found a website that had lists of creative things to do with a huge amount of gummy bears. Some things on the list make me not want to put a link here to it, but here's some of the best:
-String them together like Christmas lights and hang them around the room
-Melt them all together in a big pot and mold it into one huge gummy bear and make someone eat it
-Whenever you go in someone's room, leave 10 or 20 of the bears around in inconpicous places
-Inject water in them and then put them outside in freezing cold weather and make bets to see which one will explode first
-Have a gummy bear race through the digestive system. Have people swallow them whole and the first one to make it through wins!
-Make them into voodoo dolls of your enemies, then feed them to the person they are supposed to be and watch the amazing 4th dimensional reaction

Those are some pretty awesome suggestions, eh?

Silently incredulous

2004-08-17T02:54:00.000+01:00

So tonite my family was in the midst of a family dinner. Then, after we ate, we were sitting at the table in the midst of a post-family dinner and pre-dispersal. My dad, with his usual brilliance and ever relevant life teachings, picked up a peach from our fruit bowl on the table. He held it up, and began to instruct us. "This," he said, "is a white peach. So when its ripe and you open it up and its white inside, don't be alarmed. Its a white peach." Pause. "I don't know why they didn't just call them 'whites'". Pause, while me and my two brothers look up simaultaneously with a blank stare at what we hope isn't humor. Pause sustained. My brother's fork suddenly drops onto his plate. We remain silently incredulous, and all of a sudden burst out laughing at the ridiculousness of the entire situation.

My little brother narrates that "it was so quiet you could hear a fork drop."
This is merely the beginning of what I think may become a saga of Ehli experiences, shared by your very own inside source.

2004-08-08T19:43:00.000+01:00

Today I will enlighten you with one of the more normal things that has happened while we've been out of contact (I wouldn't want to excite you too much with my daring escapades). While in Moses Lake for a week of sunshine, wakeboarding, and eating lots and lots, me and my curly headed brother Justin created perhaps the grandest card game since poker. When asked by my mother how to describe the card game, my brother replied, "Its like a tootsie roll. You can't explain it. Like trying to tell someone its a chewy candy, but its chocolate, but then again, not really." That is the ultimate perfection of describing our grand innovation. Cheers to Justin.
Here following, I will do my best to let you in on the grandeur of what happens when me and Justin's exceedingly great capacity to be amazing is allowed room to thrive:

THE GAME: Deuce Me Up
PLAYERS: 2-4 (it could be played with more, if you add a deck of cards. I think the limit should be not over 4 people per card deck. So if you wanted to play with 22 people, I would try using 6 decks of cards. Good luck shuffling.)
DEAL: 10 cards per person
OTHER THINGS TO MENTION: Aces are wild, meaning they can be used for any other card.
Twos (deuces) start the play over; whoever lays the two calls the next play
(this will make more sense later)
PLAYS: (this also will make more sense later) The plays include primarily poker hands, with adjustments as necessary:
Set (3 of a kind)
Full House (whoever calls this play calls one of the #s, the other is open)
Straight (5 in a row, don't need to be played in order)
Flush (5 of the same suit)
HOW TO PLAY:
Deal 10 cards to each player.
Player to the Left of the dealer (Player 1) begins the game by calling a play. Game continues clockwise. Player 2 starts the play by playing a card needed for the play. Play continues clockwise around. If a player can't play, he must draw one penalty card. Aces are wild, meaning they can count as anything. Twos/Deuces start the play over, meaning if a player can't play anything, he can play a deuce to start a new play. The game then continues on with the new play, and everyone forgets about the previous one. The player who finishes the play calls the next play. When a player (Player X) has 2 cards left, he must say (in his best Strong Bad voice) "The Double Deuce". If another player (Player W) says "Deuce Me Up" before Player X says "The Double Deuce", Player X must draw 2 penalty cards. The winner is the first person to get rid of all his cards.
Okay this sounds like it could be confusing to follow. Here we go:
Player 1: calls straight.
Player 2: plays a 9.
Player 3: plays a Q.
Player 4: plays an 8.
Player 1: plays a 10.
(all that is needed now to finish the straight is a J.)
Player 2: plays an Ace b/c he doesn't have a J and Aces are wild, remember? That play is now over, and the person who laid the last card of the play calls the next play.
Player 2: calls Set of 6's (but doesn't play).
Player 3: draws a card b/c he can't play.
Player 4: plays a 6. He now has 2 cards left, but his mind is thinking about how he really wants a blue raspberry slushie. Another player yells "Deuce Me Up", thus Player 4 has to draw 2 b/c he forgot to say "The Double Deuce".
Player 1: Doesn't have a 6, and doesn't really like 6's anyways, so he lays a deuce down and calls a flush of hearts.
Player 2: Goes through a crisis because no one remembers his name, and everyone just calls him 'player 2' all the time and quits the game, running out the door and jumping into a nearby lake.

Do you get it now? We can play it next time we see each other, okay? Oh and the copyright on this is in process now so don't even think about it.

Canada, eh?

2004-07-28T05:34:00.000+01:00

Is anybody out there? Can anybody hear me?
Wow... I don't know if any of you made it through your time with out me. It sounds like you are in dire need of me and my faithful blogs. Your normal life must be ridiculously stagnant.
So here I am, back from playing with the bears in canada. The bears are good, a little hungry because I wouldn't let them eat any of my friends. Canada was absolutely amazing, as usual... you seriously need to see the real Canada instead of simply ranking on it for whatever reason. Its the most beautiful place I've ever been in my life. Untapped wilderness, just wild and free like God meant our world to be. I love it.
Okay well I am leaving again for a little while... while I'm gone, entertain yourself somehow. Find a hobby. What did you guys all do before I started my blog anyway?

Gus

2004-07-07T06:39:00.000+01:00

My brother Jeff has made a decision for me. From now on, I am only dating guys named Gus. His reasoning is this: We have a cat named Callie, and now we know a person w/ the same name (albeit her name is Kali). We have a bunny named Abigail, or Abby, and now my brother Justin's girlfriend's name is Abby. We also used to have a dog named Gus, so now I am destined to be with a guy named Gus, apparently. The reasoning is there, so I guess I must go along with it. So if you know any guys named Gus, send them my way!
*Another sketchy detail: our dog's full name was Gustavius, King of Spades. I doubt the likelihood of me finding a guy with the exact same name, so we'll stick to Gus.*

2004-07-06T22:13:00.000+01:00

I'm so glad I'm not like other people. The general theme for blogs these days is "theres not much going on so I haven't posted much". Don't worry - you can count on me. My normal life continues, and although much of it is normal to me, I'm constantly told that my life is incredible. Why just yesterday, when I made a stop at Borders Books, there was a book signing going on for Bill Clinton's book, My Life. So he was there, and we chatted a while, caught up, ya know, the usual. But his publisher was there, and he was constantly on my back about wanting to sign me up for a book deal. Apparently I am the talk among the publishers as the next big one. You wouldn't believe the royalties he was mentioning. But I remain insistent on keeping my life simple, for now. I usually have to go over that with all publishers when they are hounding me. I'm trying to finish school, I say. I like to spend time with my family, and my homies, and drinking iced tea. I need time for these things, and while I do continue to write, I am not publishing at this time in my life. He begrudgingly accepted my defense, but pledged to continue to be in contact with me so he wouldn't miss out when I finally am ready to make a move.

A matter of utmost importance

2004-06-30T06:16:00.000+01:00

One of my complaints with society today is the disappearance of telephone booths. What with all this technological "advancement" (thats what they call it - advancement), its a common perception that pay phones are unnecessary, resulting in the loss of phone booths. Now, I really couldn't care less about the telephones themselves - what difference does it make to me? I have a cell phone. But the claim that the phone booths are erroneous?! That is an atrocious claim!
Lets look at this logically, shall we? Of course we shall. Now, over the past years, lets say, couple decades, society's major problems (not only crime, but natural disasters) have increased at a more significant rate than ever before. The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. The divorce rate is crazy, children are growing up far too fast, our public education system starts sex ed as early as 3rd grade... anyways, the social issues are really secondary. What I'm trying to focus on is crime and natural disasters. The increase in crime and natural disasters is directly caused by the loss of telephone booths in our society today.
Lets make a fully logical reasoning to support this widely accepted fact (with the exception of Robb, who I'm sure is skeptical). First of all, what has been the primary purpose of phone booths throughout history? Your first response will most likely be related to the use of the telephone inside. Thats our government leader's first reflex too - but you can reach beyond to the truth. Think... think... yes! You got it! The primary purpose of phone booths, infinitely more important than the phone, is for superheros to change their clothes in a secretive and unsuspicious environment. Okay. Next in our logical support is this: with phone booths becoming more and more scarce, where does that leave our superheros? You may say, "they're superheros, Heather, they can figure it out!" You are right, as superheroes, they can figure it out (if they ever got a break from the general population's inaneness which requires constant superhero presence). But they only have their superhero powers when they have their superhero spandex on. If they have no place to tear off their white-collar business attire, they won't obtain their powers! With less and less phone booths, superheroe's means to save our world is reduced by outstanding proportions. The result of superheroes being unable to transform is this: society's problems (generally crime and natural disasters) cannot be delved into and repaired by our superheroes. Thus, the increase in crime and natural disasters is a direct result of the decreased number of phone booths.
This is a matter of utmost importance in our increasingly weakening society, one that requires our immediate action. I suggest you intervene by educating our highest and most key political officials. If we work together, we can make a difference!
Keep this issue forefront in your minds as you continue to observe our problems in society today.

Rupert's Recycling Rudiments

2004-06-25T06:17:00.000+01:00

Today I was talking to Rupert. He thinks we should switch our recycling service from what we have to what the neighbors have, becuase the neighbor's recyclers take glass. He also said we pay for ours, and they don't, and since we are residents, we should be able to get the same as theirs. He gave me a plastic trash bin and told me I should put it in the guy's basement's tv room for glass. He said the other recycle bins we have say no glass, and this one could be for glass. Its a smart idea, I suppose. He is a thinker. He said the tv room would be a good place for it because of the crowds, whereas the laundry room would 'probably only get two or three bottles a week'. Again, he's a thinker. He suggested that I bring the idea of switching recycling up to the officers so they could discuss it and talk to the alumni about it. He specifically said Chris and Allen. So if Chris or Allen are reading this, maybe you should go talk to Rupert. Another benefit of giving us the plastic trash bin for recycling (this is what he told me) is that it prevents pollution. Because it was just getting thrown away, and he asked if he could take it. And the people were apparently really nice about it and let him. So he's preventing pollution, and working on improving recycling conditions. He's actually a great guy, I think. He has noble purposes. And I bet he's right about the recycling services. Especially if the neighbors don't pay, thats way better. And they take glass!

2004-06-23T05:57:00.000+01:00

I went home for today, which was great (as usual). Tonite I got to hang out with a close family who my fam has been close with for ever - longer than I've been around. It was so wonderful! I love to spend time with really great families, families who have an investment in each other, who have their ducks in line. The new generation of this family is an amazing group of kids ages 14ish all the way to 17 months (families turn into more families over time). And these kids are so fun to interact with, they get along (which amazes me when I compare it to my own childhood), they love each other, and the whole family just knows how to have fun and relax. We sat in the backyard blowing bubbles, eating brownies, and doing cartwheels. My kind of a nite! Oh and we gave all the guys mohawks - Grandpa David, Robbie who is 13, and Reid, who is 4 ish. Awesome. What a blessing to see a family who is held together with love and commitment, all coming from God. I think thats one thing I am missing out on being up here in Seattle at college - having families around to spend time with. I guess that would be one benefit of nannying - something I've thought about doing this next year up here. We will see. Right now I am pumped to leave for Canada (yes Robb I really do go up to Canada every year). I'm leaving the 8th for Prince Rupert, then on the 19th, we'll leave from there and go to Hazelton, where we'll be till July 27th. It is going to be quite the experience! And I can't wait for the salmon. We spend our time in little villages where one of their only sources of income is fishing, and they are so generous, giving us fish all the time. So we cook it over the fire, which is absolutely indescribably perfect in every way, especially when it is so fresh it was swimming just that morning. Wow my mouth is watering now, and I can't get it out of my head. Yumm... salmon... mmmm... I can see it now... mmm.. campfire grilled canadian salmon... yum. wow I hope I make it till then. Canadian salmon is the best, with no close second. Okay I think I'll never be satisfied with food again. Shoot who got me on this topic anyways? Speaking of campfires, I had one last nite at my house, since I was home... its pretty much the best thing ever. I put up my hammock in the backyard, so it was a serious camping experience in my backyard last nite. I know what you are thinking, and yes, I actually did sleep in the hammock in my backyard last nite with the campfire smoldering nearby. And yes, it was surpassingly beautiful. I consumed a copious amount of roasted marshmallows too. Well if you are still reading this ridiculously long posting about my incredible life at home, cheers to you! Tune in later for more, next time I feel like spouting off about my personal life which none of you really have any business hearing about (not even considering whether or not you actually care), nevertheless I write it because it overflows from my energies and demands a place to exist apart from my meager consciousness.
"The earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord."
Psalms 33:5

My New Hobby

2004-06-19T08:08:00.000+01:00

I am teaching myself how to play the Banjo!! It is one of the most amazing things I have ever done! I haven't really learned any chords yet because of my disability of understanding what the websites explain. But I am getting down some strums pretty well, and even staying in G the whole time, I can do some pretty fun stuff. Its all new to me, and I am quite easily amused, so this adventure is great. Plus I have a lot of time, living in the Krypt here basically alone with the only responsibility being my job. If anyone has an extra banjo laying around, you can give it to me for a late birthday present. Thanks, and cheers to all banjo players everywhere!

This is the website I'm using to
start out learning.

My All Time Long Standing Favorite Cereal

2004-06-17T08:19:00.000+01:00

Simply the greatest thing since Melmac... Blueberry Morning. Those guys at Post really know what they are doing.

Can you believe it?! Who knew cereal could get better!?

2004-06-17T08:09:00.000+01:00

A new innovation for us cereal connossieurs: Special K Vanilla Almond. Mix it up a little bit! This is one of the greatest advancements to hit the Safeway shelves in quite a while. It comes highly recommended by myself, among the highest ranked cereal critics there are.

Ice Fishing

2004-06-17T06:32:00.000+01:00

I think I am going to pick up ice fishing. It seems like just the challenge I need in my life right now. There are so many advantages to ice fishing I can hardly begin to list them, but I'll try.
-Building Ice Shanties. Here is a classic one.
-Getting to smoke cigars
-Keeps the riff raff away
-People know your tough and grizzled
-Time to think
-Learn to appreciate the sun more
-No mosquitoes or flies to bother
-Great attitudes like this!
I'll be sure to update you on additional benefits as I become more educated.

2004-06-17T05:50:00.000+01:00

I'm considering shifting the focus of my blog a little... I know, I know, its been so focused in the past you are confused as to what I even mean by this shocking proposal.
I will, to be sure, continue delighting you with my extraordinary life experiences (like updates on my treehouse and tributes to the greatest people in the world). I'm not sure where you would be without the enlightenment that comes with my daily broadcast of magnificent and unbelievable yet true events. The change that may come is this: I may begin to use this blog not just for delight and entertainment, but for a place I can use as an outlet for my writing. You see, I love to write. Yes its true. This way, you would not only be one of the priveleged few to read of my astonishing (but true to life always) adventures, but you would also be exposed to my usually unconclusive yet always intriguing mental habits.
What do you think? Let me know... its really all about what the audience wants (although don't be too surprised if I completely disregard all comments and change it into Heather's-blog-of-recent-ebay-purchases).
Okay Peace out!

Canada!!!

2004-06-09T17:16:00.000+01:00

British Columbia: One of the greatest places in the world is in the nww edge called "New Hazelton" - right by Alaska. It is the most incredibly beautiful place, with high mountains, strong rivers, wildflower fields, and the most accepting and welcoming people there are!

impenetrable tropicality

2004-06-07T22:42:00.001+01:00

When I grow up, I'm going to have a jungle in my backyard. This is part of it. I will write a poem about my jungle.

My jungle has trails,
and monkey tails,
my jungle has trees,
and honey-making bees.
My jungle has flowers,
and mysterious powers,
My jungle has water,
and a teeter totter.
I like to play there,
without a care,
its always sunny,
and usually funny.
I love my jungle,
and all it's bungle!
by heather

Toilet Haikus

2004-06-07T22:29:00.000+01:00

A toilet... behind closed doors... waiting for a guest.

Preparation meets opportunity... and releases an odor.

A place to get away from it all...

Wetness is the essence of moisture... Moisture is the essence of beauty.

A Tribute

2004-06-03T18:48:00.000+01:00

His name rolls off your tongue like clouds over campus, his songs remind you of the best times you never had, and his passion gives you a reason to keep listening... yes, folks, we are talking about the great, the infamous, the provider of genuine music, who keeps on touring year after year because he loves you and I so much.. NEIL DIAMOND!!
Of course, in the back of our minds, we all know this has been long due. Neil has been faithful to our musical needs for decades. Yes, I'm sure we all know those poor souls who mock Neil - his hair, his words, his voice, his (absence of a) beard - but they do it simply out of envy. Yes, its true. They are absolutely jealous, their lives remind them every day of how they never made it big with their acoustical guitar playing and lyrics straight from a genuine love of family, life, and love. They know they will not be touring nationwide when they reach middle age (and past)! But lets be kind. We don't have to be bitter... we know Neil's talent goes far beyond those who put him down. C'mon - he sang America!! Perhaps the greatest song ever! Which of course has an immediate connotation to the greatest light show in the world: The Grand Coulee Dam Laser Light Show - shown every summer nite, on location at dusk, and closing with - who else? - Neil and America. Lets hear it for Neil and "The Mighty Columbia..." And for those of you who are miseducated, the well known song (albiet well-known due to UB-40)Red, Red, Wine was originally Neil's. Yes. I know you suspected it.
Therefore, this is a shout out to all you Neil Diamond fans, lets appreciate him today.
Neil Diamond. If you listen, you will know.

My little brother

2004-05-31T20:00:00.000+01:00

This is my little brother. He has some issues.

My favorite thing in the whole world!

2004-05-31T09:17:00.000+01:00

Here, life is completed.

A little Family History

2004-05-31T06:09:00.000+01:00

The history of my family is rooted in the depths of the Czechslovakia gypsy tradition. This is my grandfather, who still wanders around the Czech countryside - since the nation broke into two, he's mostly stuck around the Czech Republic. However, he refused to call it anything but Czechslovakia. You know, when your culture is founded on one thing, its tough when modernity hits.

Talk about some stories of heritage! I don't see him often - its a challenge to track him down - but when I do, wow! He has some amazing stories of growing up as a gypsy in "the Great Homeland" of Czechslovakia. You can see some of the stories in his eyes. It may seem strange to you, how the gypsys move around so often; it may seem like they never build any community, or really have a "home", but in many ways, they have more of a home than you and I know. Why? Because they have a gypsy community; their home isn't a place, its people. All the community and psuedo-family they have has been built on so much more than belongings and material things.

My grandfather talks about the traditions the gypsies have retained over the years that the rest of the country has forgotten or left behind in favor of modernity - people have now realigned their values in favor of scientific advancement and world issues. Of course there are benefits to science and politics, but I see that so much gets left behind, that traditional culture, the foundation of the present, is overlooked. The amazing thing is the gypsy community isn't bitter about this. They are always amazingly accepting of all others, realizing while these people chose a path they wouldn't, it goes the same backwards - many wouldn't choose the gypsy life. They know that life is full of each being drawn to their own ways.

We have so much to learn from the gypsies, if only we would take the time and listen. And it takes time. They tend to be people interwined in their own circle; not anyone can just be immediately accepted.

The start of my summer plans!

2004-05-27T08:29:00.000+01:00

This is merely a grand beginning to my plans to travel across Costa Rica this summer. All of my research has so far supported my previous thought that Costa Rica is the most accurate example of heaven we have on earth. Once I arrive, I plan to spend much of my time (is there really time there? It must be in a different dimension) working toward a kind of peace, a contentment, that I can make a part of myself. Then I will go surfing!

As to packing, less is more. Looking ahead, as long as I have a hammock near the beach and access to iced tea, I'll be transcendent.

A Typical Nite in the Life...

2004-05-26T07:26:00.000+01:00

This is simply a typical nite in my life. We usually have theme nites where I live, this nite the theme was "Life in the Wild Carribean". I think tomorrow will be "Dinosaurs of the Old Age". Luckily I pick up any and all interesting things to wear whenever I see them, so I have a dinosaur costume that is ideal for tomorrow nite. I'll be brontosauras, of course.

Today's excitement

2004-05-26T06:51:00.000+01:00

Today I had a 3 hour break after class, so I went skydiving. I've never gone solo before. It was quite an experience. Exhilarating, to be sure. My suggestion is: don't wear a skirt. ... On a more interesting note, I learned how to speak Indonesian last week. It wasn't as much of a challenge as I expected.
My goal for this week is to finish building my treehouse. I finished up the 2nd level last thursday. The floors are nice, and the windows capture the surrounding scenery beautifully. I still am aiming to install the rope swing, but coming across unforeseen challenges. I'm sure I will have some time a little later to give you all specs on the tree house. Its a grand adventure.

Keep on truckin!